Holbrook Town Forest

Town Forest Walk this Saturday

2011-05-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

We are continuing our "2nd Saturday at noon" walks in the Town Forest. Come check out the beauty of spring in our own community forest! We will leave from 255 Pine St (the Carolyn Long Entrance) at high noon this coming Saturday May 14th! Wear bug spray, and long pants, and bring a bottle of water. We hope to see you there! All the trees have donned their bright green leaves in anticipation of your visit! This is the time of year we often see the first Lady Slippers.

Forest Committee to meet

2011-04-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

The Town Forest Committee continues to meet on the 3rd Wed of each month at Town Hall at 7:30 pm. All are welcome :)

This is the 2nd Saturday!

2011-04-07T16:10:00.000-04:00

Saturday please join us for a hike in the Town Forest. We will leave from Park Dr at noon and hope to see some frog eggs! It's vernal pool season, after all! Bring water and a snack, and DO wear bug spray!

Is it Spring Yet?

2011-03-10T16:46:00.000-05:00

Early Spring Hike.

Saturday at noon.

Meet at

Forest Drive entrance &

Wear boots!

Printable Vernal Pool Field Guide

2011-03-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

Here is a great resource for those of you who will be out looking for Frogs and "Sallies"(Salamanders)
You can print it two sided and laminate it to bring out in the warm spring rain!

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/hrepwpwid.pdf

Also check this out: the Vernal Pool Association is on facebook !
www.facebook.com/VernalPoolAssociation

Snow Hike is on !

2011-02-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

Come on out for a hike today in the Town Forest!

High NOON- Park Drive

See post below for details!

Inspirational and About Trees

2011-01-31T22:36:00.000-05:00

A Nobel Peace Prize winner finds spiritual values in planting trees
Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, who founded the Green Belt Movement, says spiritual values are the key to healing ourselves and our environment.

From the Christian Science Monitor by Gregory M. Lamb, / Staff writer / January 24, 2011

New York
On a visit to Japan, Wangari Maathai learned the story of the hummingbird and the forest fire. While the other animals run in fear or hang their heads in despair, the hummingbird flies above the fire time and again, releasing a few drops of water from its tiny beak.

In 2004 Maathai was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for her work founding the Green Belt Movement, which enlists villagers, and especially women, to improve their local environment.

Since then, she's concluded that people's values are what motivate them. If the values are good ones, good actions will follow. Hence it's importance for people to tap their spiritual traditions for guidance in caring for the environment, she says.

"I saw that if people have [good] values, they can sustain what they are doing," says Maathai in a recent interview at a New York City hotel not far from the United Nations, where she's addressed the General Assembly in the past.
"If you don't have good values, you'll embrace vices," she says. And if we give in to the vices, "We destroy ourselves. We destroy the environment. If we can embrace [good] values, we also heal ourselves. And in the process we heal the environment."

That's the message of her new book, "Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World."

People learn these values from their parents, their teachers, and their religious leaders, says Maathai, whose own background is Christian.

In the 1970s, her call for African villagers to plant trees may have seemed like a simplistic response to complex environmental problems. But she realized trees hold both symbolic and practical value.

"People use trees for so many things. It was easy to get into a community to talk about trees," Maathai recalls. They provide immediate practical resources: food, firewood, and shelter. They fight soil erosion.

Today, her Billion Tree Campaign has resulted in more than 11 billion trees being planted worldwide.

Her Green Belt Movement embraces four key values: love for the environment, gratitude and respect for Earth's resources, self-empowerment and self-betterment, and the spirit of service and volunteerism.

The Green Belt followers, many of them women, take simple actions in their communities, such as tending tree nurseries, terracing their fields to curb erosion, collecting rainwater, planting home gardens, and building low-tech sand dams.Maathai attributes her ideas as having come from "the Source" or, in a Christian context, God. But listening for ideas must also be accompanied by "an attitude that allows you to take advantage of that awakening," she writes in "Replenishing the Earth." "This entails keeping your mind, eyes, and ears open, so that when an idea arrives you'll be ready for it."

Bundle up!

2011-01-30T12:17:00.000-05:00

Snow Hike in the Holbrook Town Forest
Please join us on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at high noon

Dress warm in layers!
Including snow pants, boots, hats and gloves.

While this is a hike, you are can bring your ski poles, snow shoes or cross country skis! (Skiers can go first)

Bring water and a snack. We will meet at Park Dr entrance, at the giant mountain of snow. Please carpool if possible.
PS You won’t need bug spray!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest & the Holbrook Town Forest Committee.

Our National Bird: We told you we saw a bald eagle!

2011-01-27T08:31:00.000-05:00

Look what the friends of Blue Hills saw: "Former FBH Board member and avid birder, Andrew Joslin, spotted a bald eagle at the Blue Hills flying between Houghton's Pond and Tucker Hill."
In recent years Bald Eagle has been spotted at the Great Weymouth Resevoir, and near the Dalton Club/Hallamore area.
Of course they need trees to nest in! Another reaon why we need to protect forested public land!

Please join us for Forest events in 2011

2011-01-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

Save the dates, details to follow!
Second Saturday of each month:

February 12th
March 12th
April 9th
May 14th
June 11th
July 9th
August 13th
September 10th
October 8th
November 12th
December 10th

Todays a good day for Trail work!

2010-10-30T08:24:00.002-04:00

We are meeting today, Saturday 10/30 at 10:30 am for a little forest work.
Weather should be great.
Meet at 255 Pine St (Carolyn Long Entrance--Blue Dot)
Bring water, loppers, gloves and wear something bright!
Hope to see you there!

Lantern Walk a success!

2010-10-30T08:22:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all those who participated in this years long awaited Town Forest Lantern Walk on October 16th. The Town Forest Committee is most grateful to Tom McMann, Cubmaster, Troop 153, Rick Reuss, Director, Holbrook Emergency Management Agency, and all the Cub Scout leaders, especially Karen Santorelli from Pack 56. Also, the following Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest: Debbie Baio, Dale and Matt Lewis, and Jen Crosby, for their generous donation of materials and snacks. We also wish to thank all the boys and girls from scouting and the South School Ecology Club, under the direction of Mrs. Cathy Cripps, and the many parents and families who participated in making over 200 lanterns, many from recycled materials.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather; the evening was dry, the moon was high, and a light breeze rustled the leaves. This was the perfect backdrop for the 60 plus visitors walking the lantern lit paths, and experiencing the Town Forest in a new way. We were then were led in campfire songs by Mr. McMann, and had a snack. Thank you again to all who helped to continue this spectacular community event!

We hope to see you in the forest,

Patricia Greely, Chair
Gene Santorelli
Dave Dingledy
Holbrook Town Forest Committee

Join us Wednesday October 5th at 6:30 pm

2010-10-05T22:26:00.004-04:00

We will be making non-flamable (glow stick) lanterns at the Holbrook Town Hall! Please bring a clean , clear water bottle (small size with a cap). We will be making really cool lanterns to hang in the forest. If you bring 2 bottles you can make one to carry and one to hang in the forest! All this preparation is for out Lantern Walk on October 16th. This is a blast. Hope you can join us!

2010-09-09T07:34:00.002-04:00

Town Forest Harvest Hike
Saturday September 18th
2:00 - 4:00 pm
(Rain date Saturday September 25th)

Come enjoy the beauty of autumn in the
Holbrook Town Forest

We will depart from the Sodergren-McKay (Park Drive) Entrance, travel north on Wiggins Trail, cross into Braintree and head left to Cranberry Pond Beach before returning to Wiggins Trail. This will be one of our longer organized hikes.
We hope you can join us.
Please bring water, bug spray and a snack.

Sponsored by
Holbrook Friends of the Forest,
Holbrook Town Forest Committee,
Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & 153
www. holbrookma.gov
or call 781-767-4312

ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE FOUND IN BOSTON

2010-07-07T14:03:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE For immediate release July 6, 2010
Contact:Wendy Fox 617-626-1453

FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL OFFICIALS
ANNOUNCE DISCOVERY OF ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLES
ON GROUNDS OF BOSTON’S FAULKNER HOSPITAL
Six infested trees in Jamaica Plain removed this morning represent first confirmed Massachusetts presence of ALB outside Worcester County

BOSTON - Following the discovery of Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) in six trees in Jamaica Plain this past weekend, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. and other federal, state, and local officials today announced plans to further investigate the source and extent of the infestation, and scheduled meetings to inform local residents and businesses about the effort.

“We understand that news of the ALB presence in Boston will be a concern to the community, and we are working as quickly as possible to determine the extent of the issue,” said EEA Secretary Bowles. “So far, only six infected trees have been found here, and they were destroyed this morning. We have a highly trained and skilled team with experience in the eradication efforts in Worcester, and the situation is in good hands.”

Over the weekend, federal officials from the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of the invasive beetles in six trees on the grounds of Faulkner Hospital in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Early this morning, they removed those trees and ground them into chips to kill any adult beetles or larvae. The six infested trees in Jamaica Plain represent the first confirmed ALB presence in Massachusetts outside Worcester County, where the invasive species was discovered in August 2008.

The ALB is believed to have come to the United States in wooden packing crates originating from China several years ago. The beetles bore into the heartwood of a host tree, eventually killing the tree. The beetles have no known predators in this country.

Since their discovery in Worcester in 2008, $50 million in federal and state money has been spent to eradicate the beetle, and 25,000 infested trees in the Worcester area have been cut down in an effort to halt the spread.

“We are engaging all our partners, including the US Department of Agriculture, city of Boston, town of Brookline, and other municipalities and agencies to educate the public on the ALB and solicit their help in reporting and dealing with it,” said DCR Commissioner Sullivan. “We have set up a community meeting next week for the public, and a training session this week for anyone involved in the wood and wood products industry to answer questions and keep everyone apprised of procedures and progress in the infested area.”

The community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 13, from 6-8 p.m. in the Franklin Park Clubhouse on Circuit Drive in Franklin Park.

An education session for those involved in the wood and wood products industries will be Thursday, July 8, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Franklin Park Clubhouse on Circuit Drive in Franklin Park.

“While we are hopeful this is an isolated and contained incident, the City of Boston considers this issue to be very serious and we are taking every step to protect our trees by pulling together city, state, and federal resources,” said Mayor Menino. “After last year’s incident in Worcester, hundreds of volunteers were trained to survey trees. Together with professional arborists, we have been proactive in searching for the ALB in major areas like the Arboretum. These areas will again be searched by the US Department of Agriculture and, combined with a community meeting and training session scheduled for this week, I am confident in our plan to handle this incident in an efficient manner.”

DCR officials already have declared a regulated area around the site where the infested trees were found. The area extends in a 1.5-mile radius from the site. No wood or wood products are allowed to leave that area. (A map of the area is attached with this press release and also can be viewed at www.mass.gov/dcr.)

For property owners clearing limbs or other wood debris from their yards and properties, and anyone else wanting to dispose of wood, a drop-off area will be set up within the regulated area. The location and any additional details will be posted on www.mass.gov/agr/alb.htm as soon as a location is determined.

To report suspicious tree damage, view photographs and videos of tree damage, or read about the Asian longhorned beetle, visit www.mass.gov/agr/alb.htm or call the toll-free Asian longhorned beetle hotline at 866-702-9938.

###

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.

Source:
http://massnrc.org/pests/albdocs/PressReleaseALBBostonDCRJuly62010.doc

Forest Committee Meetings

2010-06-14T21:59:00.002-04:00

The Holbrook Town Forest Committee is meeing on the following Wednesdays

at 7:30 pm in the Conservation Office, 2nd floor of Town Hall

June 16th

July 21st and August 18th

All are welcome!

Mercy mercy Me.

2010-05-02T21:46:00.004-04:00

image from cnn.com

The Marvin Gaye hit from the first earth day,seems apropos as all eyes turn on Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.
"Oh, mercy mercy me
Oh, things ain't what they used to be
No, no
Oil wasted on the oceans and upon our seas
Fish full of mercury
Oh, mercy mercy me
Oh, things ain't what they used to be.."

The Nature Conservancy has provided an invaluable resource for tracking the crisis at www.blog.nature.org It is great website for all things green.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the region, as they brace for disaster. And we wonder why it needs to be called an "enviromental disaster", and when did "environmentalism" become as bad a word as "feminism"? And what is with that anyways. What we have in common is greater than our differences. Shouldn't we just work toward making this a better world for us all and future generations?

Holbrook Town Forest Rules Appproved

2010-04-25T12:27:00.001-04:00

HOLBROOK TOWN FOREST RULES

Forest closes at dusk.
No motorized vehicles.
Fishing and hunting activity is governed by Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife laws.
No fires except for cooking and with the permission of the Fire Chief, or their designee.
No alcohol.
No dumping of rubbish, litter or yard waste.
Overnight camping is allowed ONLY with written permission of the Town Forest Committee, and the Police Chief or their designee.
If you carry it in you must carry it out.
All dogs must be leashed.
Pick up after your dog and properly dispose of waste.
Do not feed the wildlife.
Reminder-careless use of matches and smoking material can cause forest fires.
Police take notice.

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T07:49:00.002-04:00

this image from todays Google.com

Today is the 40th anniversay of Earth Day!

There are lots of activities planned this week all over New England. We encourage you to get out there and celebrate the awesome beauty of our planet.

Crash

2010-03-16T22:39:00.002-04:00

We have experienced a crash & lost a lot of data. If you would like to receive emails regarding upcoming events please email us.. Hope to see you in the forest!

Spring/Summer 2010 volunteer dates announced

2010-03-14T21:55:00.003-04:00

The Holbrook Town Forest is always in need of a little TLC. A morning in the Forest is a great way to stay in shape and "give back". Please help maintain the trails, or making a monetary contribution.

Our work dates are as follows (and are subject to change):
Saturday 10am-2pm
March 20
April 10
April 24
May 8
May 22
July 10
July 17 or 24 (depending on interest)

Other dates: Turkey Hill Chipper Day Sat., Apr 17th, and help your neighbor day, Friday April 16th. For more info, please email forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us, or leave a message with the selectmen's office at 781-767-4312.

Please consider a donation to the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest c/o Randolph Saving Bank, 50 So. Franklin St., Holbrook, MA 02343. We are also in need of tools to maintain the trails, if you think you can help please call, or email.

Your donation will be put to good work to help maintain the trails that are so vital to keeping this precious public land accessible to all.

Little Big Night

2010-03-14T21:48:00.002-04:00

The frogs have started their treck! Tonight on Weymouth and Pond Streets we saw a few frogs making there way to the vernal ponds. Hopefully the salamanders will be out soon!
We think a late night spring treck into the woods in 2011 may be in order! Mark your calendars, and start buying thermal underwear and wellies!

Skating canceled- But we can hike!

2010-02-05T13:21:00.004-05:00

Once again mother nature has intervened. Conditions are not safe enough for this months planned Winter Skating Party. Please join us instead for a hike from 255 Pine Street at 1pm! Hot cocoa and cookies provided.Thank you to all those who helped plan, and we hope to see you soon in the Forest!

Winter Skating Party

2010-01-16T11:56:00.004-05:00

Help support the Holbrook Town Forest
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
1-3pm
(Rain/Weather date Feb 13th)
Holson Pond/Cranberry Pond In the Forest!

Hot Cocoa and Snacks provided
Suggested donation $5 ($15 family max)
Funds to go to the Holbrook Town Forest Committee Gift Fund
Bring your own Skates
Park at Forest Drive or 255 Pine Street
For more info contact 781-767-4312 or email: forest@holbrook.massachusetts.us

Turkey Hill Firewise Renewal 2009

2010-01-16T11:34:00.005-05:00

This past year the Turkey Hill Firewise volunteers worked with the Holbrook Fire Department's Lt Dave Kincus, and the Holbrook Town Forest Committee, and teh Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest on the 2009 renewal project. They also received some initial guidance from Forest Fire Patrolmen Mike Marquardt earlier in 2009.
This years project was to provide a comprehensive map of fire and emergency access entry points, as well as trails to the Fire and and Rescue teams in Holbrook. A large colored map was presented to Holbrook's Chief O'Brien which listed the GPS location of the emergency access points, trails and water sources. The map will be posted next to the dispatch center. Smaller versions will be in all vehicles.

The group received a congratulatory letter from Michele Steinberg, the Firewise Community Manager with the National Fire Protection Association:

Thank you for renewing Turkey Hill’s recognition status as a Firewise Communities/USA site for 2009. Congratulations on a 3rd year of sustained Firewise activity in your community! Your work to become safer from wildfire through the Firewise process is valuable and essential. There are currently more than 500 sites in 38 states where neighbors are active in becoming safer from wildfire through the Firewise process.

For more information on the Firewise program log onto www.firewise.org

Good job team!

Let's all be careful

2009-11-29T16:04:00.003-05:00

Deer shotgun season opens Monday November 30th, 2009. Please be careful if you're out in the woods! for more info see: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/deer/deer_hunting_home.htm

Don't move firewood! Keep our forest safe!

2009-11-16T14:29:00.004-05:00

By using firewood from local sources, you will avoid transporting invasive species local trees.

Here's a poster from the DCR

PUBLIC ADVISORY:
Don’t Move Firewood!

Massachusetts State Parks, along with our neighboring state park systems in Connecticut and Rhode Island, urge park users to notmove firewood. Your parks and forests are at risk of infestation by the Asian Longhorned Beetle and other pests. Invasive
species have devastated forests in the U.S. Midwest, and have
recently been found in Massachusetts.
• Leave firewood at home.

Buy firewood at the campground.
• Burn all firewood at your campsite, or leave firewood for the next camper.

Never bring firewood home.
• For more information or to report a finding,

check with park staff or visit

www.mass.gov/dcr

http://www.uvm.edu/albeetle/identification/malealb.html

PUBLIC ADVISORY
Male Asian Longhorned Beetle
approximately 1 ¾ “ long
2009

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/campInfo/firewood.pdf

Baby Ida Cancels Lantern Walk

2009-11-13T07:38:00.001-05:00

Saturdays Lantern Walk has been cancelled, because of the anticipated nor’easter.
Thank you to all those who worked so hard making beautiful lanterns, we will save them and we promise to reschedule in the spring, as soon as mother nature allows.
See you in the Forest!

Wiggins Trail Autumn 2009

2009-11-10T10:08:00.005-05:00

The Wiggins Trail (the Red square trail) starts

on Park Drive and continues North to Braintree.

To the right is a picture of Holson Pond,

which is under the High T's.

Parts of the trail suffer from years of erosion,

as it is still a very popular, and heavily traversed trail.

Autumn is the perfect time to take in the many sensory
pleasures along the Wiggins Trail!

"The Trash They Take Out"

2009-11-10T09:15:00.006-05:00

Left is a picture of some of the trash our volunteers found behind the homes near the forest. We applaud out volunteers hard work at keeping the Town Forest clear of such things as peoples old computer screens, old baby items, old plastic plants and lawn items, and used furniture and old toilets. Also, when people dump there yard waste into the area behind there homes it makes them much more vulnerable to wildfire. Clearing out this excess yard waste helps the forest stay healthy, too, as it often contains invasive species, which can spead throughout the forest and choke out native plants.

Below is an old abandoned campfire filled with plastic bags

and food waste. Not exactly what anyone wants to see!

Also, plastic is a choking hazaard for animals!

Please remember take out what

you bring into the Town Forest !

Please join us in keeping the Town Forest clean!

Lantern Walk Postponed - New Date November 14th at 6pm

2009-10-22T21:01:00.007-04:00

So far close to 150 people have made a firesafe lantern to carry through

the Town Forest.

The Town Forest Committee Meeting Wednesday night had 14 volunteers arrive,

the South School Ecology Club had 70,

and the Cub Scouts of Pack 56 had over 20 show tonight.

The Tiger Scouts of Pack 56 also made quite a few this week.

What a wonderful outpouring of good times, community spirit and "tree hugging"!

This is the most popular event of the year, and we hope you will join us, too.

Scroll down for more details! And please remember to bring a flashlight and water!

Forests to lose Fire Protection & Smokey the Bear, too

2009-10-18T09:05:00.004-04:00

State to layoff county Forest Fire Patrolmen, ACTION ALERT: please contact the governors office, and your local reps!! THese are the guys that helped Holbrook with Firewise, too!

The following article appeared in the Boston Globe :

State forest fire bureau bracing for cutback, layoffs Training program may be impaired
By David Abel Globe Staff / October 3, 2009

Steep budget cuts at the Department of Conservation and Recreation will reduce the state’s ability to fight forest fires, fire officials across the state said yesterday.

Over the next week, the agency will issue layoff notices to as many as 55 employees to account for the $11 million in budget cuts required as a result of the state’s fiscal crisis. Those cuts are likely to reduce the staff of the agency’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control by at least half.
“It’s going to be devastating,’’ said Dennis Annear, president of the Massachusetts Forest Fire Council and fire chief for the town of Orange. “This bureau will have a lack of ability to do its job in supporting municipalities in detection, prevention, and suppression.’’
He said the cuts also mean the state will have fewer programs to teach residents how to avoid forest fires and fewer programs to train firefighters how to respond to forest fires. The cuts may also reduce the amount of federal firefighting equipment brought to the state as part of a program the bureau manages.
Annear said the cuts mean the state will have about one fire official in each of its 14 districts trained in fighting forest fires. “So if there’s a large wildfire, we’re going to have to pull people from other [districts], and we’re not going to have anyone to respond to fires in those areas,’’ he said.
Richard K. Sullivan Jr., the department’s commissioner, said the cuts are going to hit employees across the board and reflect the 12 percent hit the agency must take in its $82 million budget.
“Are there going to be impacts in that bureau? Yes,’’ Sullivan said. “But we have statutory requirements, which we will maintain. There’s also a public safety requirement, and we’ll maintain that. But this is similar to what cities and towns across the state are going through.’’
He could not provide a specific number of agency employees who will be laid off. For those who do lose their jobs, he said their last day will be Oct. 23.
Trevor Augustino - vice president of Local 2948 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, which represents many of the employees facing layoffs - said his union has proposed that the agency consider trimming more management positions.
“This is going to be a major hit, especially with spring fire seasons, ice storm cleanups, or any disasters,’’ he said. “I don’t know how they’re going to support all the duties they have.’’
He said his suggestions for more management cuts have been ignored.
Sullivan said that the agency is still deciding where the cuts will fall and that some managers will lose their jobs.
Annear and others said the cuts will mean fewer fire officials in lookout towers and brush fires that will probably spread more quickly than they would have otherwise.
“These cuts are going to have a huge impact,’’ said Paul Zbikowski, second vice president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts. “This is the number one topic on our agenda. We’re absolutely concerned about this.’’
David Abel can be reached at dabel@globe.com.

Help us keep up the good work

2009-09-17T22:56:00.002-04:00

Your gift can help the Friends of the Town Forests continue their good work to keep the Holbrook Town Forest accessible and the trails clear and safe. We use need monetary donations for repair and replacement of tools, gasoline for the chainsaw, paint brushes, etc. Please donate today to the “Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest” c/o Randolph Savings Bank, 50 S Franklin St, Holbrook, MA 02343

Transform trash into beautiful forest lanterns

2009-09-17T22:54:00.001-04:00

Wednesday October 21st at 6:30-8:00 at Town Hall

Please bring two or more clean, clear and empty water bottles
(disposable type) with their caps.
We will be decoupaging the bottles
with tissue paper, and later adding a fire safe glow stick.
Plan to make one to carry, and one to “light the way” and hang on the trees lighting
our path through the Holbrook Town Forest on our October 24th Lantern Walk!
Sponsored byHolbrook Town Forest Committee and the Holbrook Friends of the Forest

Lantern Walk

2009-09-17T22:51:00.001-04:00

October 24th 6-7:30 pm
The most popular annual event! Experience the Town Forest in a new way.
Bring a flash light or glow stick lantern, water and bug spray.
Wear long sleeves and long pants and weather appropriate clothing.
Meet at the Park Drive entrance.
We hope you can join us.

Sponsored by the Holbrook Town Forest Committee, Holbrook Friends of the Forest,Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & the South School Ecology Club

2009 Harvest Hike

2009-09-17T22:49:00.001-04:00

October 17th 2-4 pm

See the Forest in all her autumn splendor as we hike to Cranberry Pond.
Bring, water, a snack and bug spray.
Please wear long sleeves and long pants and weather appropriate clothing.
Meet at the Park Drive entrance.

Sponsored by the Holbrook Town Forest Committee, Holbrook Friends of the Forest,Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & the South School Ecology Club

Park Service Day

2009-09-17T22:47:00.000-04:00

Friday September 25th 4-6 pm
Cleanup and walk to we celebrate Park Service Day
Bring, water, a snack and bug spray.
Please wear long sleeves and long pants and weather appropriate clothing.
Meet at the Park Drive entrance.

Sponsored by the Holbrook Town Forest Committee, Holbrook Friends of the Forest,
Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & the South School Ecology Club

Bigger, faster, and more abundant mosquitoes may be breeding in a river or stream near you

2009-09-05T22:52:00.003-04:00

"A new scientific study presented at this month’s meeting of the Ecological Society of America reaches the scary conclusion that mosquitoes carriers of the West Nile Virus and other diseases thrive in waterways contaminated by sewage. As if we needed even more public health reasons to clean up and prevent sewage pollution.
Sadly, untreated sewage pollution still flows regularly into many of New England’s rivers and streams as a result of sewage spills from aging or improperly maintained sewage collection and pumping systems."http://www.clf.org/blog/?p=160

So, maybe, things are not so simple, and bug spray and filling in wetlands isn't the only answer. Responsibly dealing with waste water saves lives.

"If you can't beat 'em. eat 'em"

2009-09-04T23:36:00.003-04:00

After pulling massive amounts of the invasive weed "Poison Ivy" at entrance to the Holbrook Town Forest , we can't help but wonder it other invasive weeds might be of value...

http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2009/09/03/invasive-plants-from-pest-to-pesto/

Invasive's are species that came from someplace else, and, if left unchecked, can truly take over. They generally have no native enemies, and can totally wreak havoc on the ecosystem. This eventually trickles down and can devastate the local floral and fauna.
We don't advocate eating Poison Ivy but, we sure do think that if less yard waste was dumped into the Holbrook Town Forest, then "invasive species" would be less of a problem! Please, think before you dump, and help preserve our beautiful local treasure.

Holbrook Town Forest: Parking Area Proposal

2009-08-31T16:34:00.003-04:00

Here is an official informational letter from the Town Forest Committee:

Holbrook has a wonderful community resource for everyone to enjoy: the Holbrook Town Forest. Unfortunately, we have no sites for parking cars to access these 100-plus acres of green and welcoming public land.
After much surveying and researching, the Holbrook Town Forest Committee has concluded that 225 Pine St. is the most viable and economic choice for a public parking site. The space will provide direct access to the Carolyn Long Trail. It will allow 8 cars to pull off of the street and park safely with room to turn around. This will prevent the need for making U-turns on Pine St. and the blocking of sidewalks and neighbors’ driveways. It will also prevent young children from crossing the street or walking around vehicles parked on the street.
This town-owned lot at 255 Pine St. has 124 feet of frontage. The off-street parking site will be a small portion toward the front and right of the lot. Since it will be visible to passing police cruisers, its proximity to the street will be a deterrent to after-hours loitering.
Recently, we had a site walk with our town administrator and two members of the Holbrook Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission has determined there are no wetland issues with this project. We will be using pervious material (gravel) for topping the parking area surface so as to affect as little of the natural environment as possible and to keep its appearance as natural and unobtrusive as possible. Only a few small trees, mostly pines, will be removed to prepare the site. We have submitted layout of this plan to the Selectmen and the Conservation Commission.
An information board with signs, bulletins, and map holders, similar to the ones used at other public parks, will be located further off of the street at this same lot.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Carolyn Long Trail. The Holbrook Town Forest Committee continues to work hard to make our town forest a source of pride and accessibility to all. Improving accessibility to this trail is a key component to its preservation and revitalization. In addition this project will enable our town to qualify for grant money by increasing our use of open space.
We look forward to creating something positive for our town in these troubling economic times. As stewards of our town forest, we shall continue working to protect this wonderful resource and to improve its access to the public. All residents of Holbrook deserve a safe and convenient entry into our town forest. We welcome further input and suggestions.

See you in the Forest,

The Town Forest Committee
Patricia Greely
Gene Santorelli
Dave Dingledy

ATV law approved

2009-08-20T15:10:00.003-04:00

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has approved an amendment to Holbrook's bylaws setting a fine of up to $250 for persons riding motor vehicles in the Holbrook Town Forest.
This should help make things safer for those walking the Town Forest, quieter for those neighbors surrounding the area , and help stop the destruction of this beautiful natural resource. The trails have taken quite a beating the last few years.
Hikers and neighbors are requested to report any sitings, including get as much info as possible (plate numbers, etc) and call the Police at 781-767-1212 to inform them of any illegal activity that may be taken place near their homes regarding ATV and dirt bikes staging to get into the forest.
The Forest can be a safer, quieter place with your help.

Forest Support Needed This Monday

2009-08-20T08:27:00.001-04:00

The Holbrook Town Forest committee has proposed a small parking area at 255 Pine Street at the Carolyn Long entrance. This would allow approximately 8 cars to pull off the street and park and turn around room so they would not need to be doing U-turns on Pine Street, or blocking neighbor’s driveways. We hope to remove only a few trees on the lot, and to have a picnic table and kiosk with uniform signage. The lot has 124 feet of frontage.

The purpose of this project is to increase accessibility to the Town Forest. This will also allow a place for groups to meet to enter the forest, keep the younger kids from being in the street, and be a resting/picnic spot for those entering the Town Forest. Additionally, this should help reduce some of the strain/ overuse/erosion/neighbor issues on Park Drive and Wiggins Trail.

As you may recall, next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Carolyn Long Trail, and this is part of the Town Forest Committee’ s and Friends of the Forest’s efforts to revitalize that trail.

A Conservation hearing is this Monday night at 7:30, the abutters have been notified, and if you support this project, could you please come or leave a message of support with the Town Administrator or email the Holbrook Town Forest Committee or the Conservation Commission. Public input is vital to this being a successful project.

Michael Yunits: town_administrator@holbrookmassachusetts.us 781-767-4312
Holbrook Town Forest Committee forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us 781-767-4312
Holbrook Conservation Commission conservation@holbrookmassachusetts.us 781-767-9058

Thank you & see you in the Forest!

Trail work continues

2009-08-20T08:25:00.002-04:00

The Long trail revitialztion is coming along. Please join us if you can help. Dates are posted below, and we have snacks!

Happy Birthday Smokey!

2009-07-08T10:29:00.002-04:00

Save the date!
August 9th; Smokey Bear 65th Celebration; Bass Pro Shop at Patriot Place ~ New
England Patriot’s/Gillette Stadium; Foxboro; 11:00 AM thru 3:00 PM
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/firecont/docs/preventionprograms.pdf
http://www.smokeybear.com/

The Carolyn Long Trail

2009-07-08T10:22:00.004-04:00

In 1960, after the tragic death of town forest planner, and committee member Carolyn Long, the Appalachian Mountain Club cut a trail which was named for and dedicated in her honor.

The Carolyn Long Trail is a very beautiful and diverse part of the Town Forest. It contains both Conservation and Public Domain land, three current wetland crossings, a foundation, and a wide array of habitat and diverse species. In addition to fabulous stone walls there are many glacial erratics. The Trail eventually crosses Wiggins, and loops around to rejoin Wiggins, thereby making a loop.

The trail entrance is at 255 Pine Street. Several trail maintence projects have been planned for this summer. We hope to see you in the Forest!

Holbrook Town Forest Summer 2009

2009-07-08T09:18:00.005-04:00

We want you!

In preparation of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Carolyn Long Trail
the Town Forest Committee has planned the following trail work events:

Saturday July 11 2:30pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday July 14 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday July 22 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sunday July 26 8am - 11:30am
Saturday August 1 9am - noon & 3pm - 6pm
Monday August 10 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Sunday August 23 3pm – 6pm
Saturday August 29 9am - noon & 3pm - 6pm

Meet at the Carolyn Long entrance, 255 Pine Street.
Bring water, bug spray, gloves and tools. Also, we suggest long pants and long sleeves.

We all work at our own pace, enjoy a few hours outdoors, and are contributing to a great cause!

MONTHLY MEETINGS of the Forest Committee:
Conservation Office, Town Hall Wed July 15th & August 19th 7:30 pm
For more information email: forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us, phone: 781-767-4312

a Geocaching we go!

2009-05-15T08:40:00.004-04:00

The Holbrook Town Forest Committee has joined the geo-caching craze. At the request of resident Bill Clark, they have planted a cache. Bill, and his son , Chair Pat Greely and her son , planted the cache, which has already had several visitors. Thanks Bill for all your help! This is another way Holbrook residents can enjoy the passive recreation experience of the Town Forest.

Log on to Geocaching.com to get the co-ordinates and begin!

Here is a neat list of local species!

2009-05-06T17:04:00.002-04:00

As part of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Conservation Commission's "Biodiversity"days, they have put out a listing of plants and animals found in June! Down load and see what you can find in the Town Forest, or your own backyard!

http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/Biodiversity/pdf/new_naturalists_checklist1.pdf

4th Annual Holbrook Town Forest Day

2009-05-06T16:35:00.003-04:00

Saturday, June 6, 2009 @ 2 pm
Rain date June 7th @ 1pm

Come enjoy a community trail walk and celebrate Holbrook’s biodiversity

Meet at Park Drive/ Sodergren-McKay Entrance
(Take Pine Street to Forest Road)

Sponsored by:
Holbrook Town Forest Committee
Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest
Boy Scouts Troop 56
Cub Scouts Pack 56
South School Ecology Club
For information and details email: forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us or leave messages at 781-767-4312
Maps are available at the Conservation Office, Town Hall

Thank you letter from the Town Forest Committee

2009-05-06T16:33:00.000-04:00

The Town Forest Committee would like to acknowledge recent donations of material and labor.

We wish to thank Kevin Costa for his extremely generous donation of green and white paint, and “1x6” wood for signs for the Town Forest; we have enough to keep us busy for quite a while! The Cub Scouts have been doing a wonderful job helping, as well as Boy Scout pack 56 and the Friends of the Forest. Thanks to all for your hard work. We hope to have many of the new signs up soon.

We wish to thank Lee Stewart at Yards of Pleasure for his very generous donation of
twenty-one arborvitae to help define the Forest Boundary at 265 Pine Street (aka “the Caroline Long Entrance”). The plants are just beautiful!
They were planted with the help of Bill Forte, of IB Forte, Inc., who donated his time and equipment, once again, to helping out the community of Holbrook.

Community support and donations such as these make a big difference to the success of local projects in these tough economic times. The Town Forest is a wonderful community resource, and these folks have demonstrated what “community” is all about.

Join the fun! Sat May 9th 9 am

2009-05-06T16:30:00.002-04:00

We will meet at the Forest Rd entrance fora clean up on this Saturday , May 9th at 9am.
Wear sturdy boots, long pants and work gloves and bring water. You may also want to bring and bug spray.If possible bring loppers or clippers, or a trash bag. Rain or Shine!

We Want You!

2009-04-15T11:35:00.006-04:00

We are planting some trees at the Long Entrance on Pine Street. We could sure use a couple more hands. This is more of a grown up event, this time, as we are using a machine.
Many of our usual suspects have an eagle scout project that day.

We will be doing another clean up on 5/2 and 5/9 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and save the date: Annual town forest day is June 13th!

It's Officially Spring in Holbrook!

2009-03-29T11:30:00.008-04:00

Here are some Spotted Salamanders and Wood Frogs making the trek to the Vernals Pools on a recent Rainy night! Spring has arrived at last !

Click on pictures for more detail, or visit

http://www.vernalpool.org/vernal_1.htm to learn more!

Sign Painting Event

2009-03-25T08:33:00.001-04:00

Saturday March 28th
2pm-4:30pm
At Town Hall

We will be painting new trail signs for the Forest!
If you can, bring rags and a paint brush.
Wear your “painting clothes”.

Sponsored by the Holbrook Town Forest Committee
For more information call 781-767-4312

The Water: She's a Runnin'

2009-03-15T12:52:00.003-04:00

Here at the "Boy Scout Bridge",on route to Cranberry Pond, the spring waters are flowing at a good clip. The birds are out and the pond is almost melted, sure signs that spring is on it's way.

Just like this!

2009-03-13T16:33:00.005-04:00

A beautiful, quiet walk in the Holbrook Town Forest today
revealed this artsy display; a dry beech leaf was poised
on a leaf-shaped stone along the Wiggin Trail.
Stopping to look at nature often yields such unexpected surprises.

Are there Fairies in the Forest?

2009-03-13T16:26:00.002-04:00

Sometimes things are not as they seem; zoom in to see what this really is! A Forest Friend spotted it today off of Wiggin Trail.

Froggy in Action! Click to enlarge!

2009-02-28T18:52:00.003-05:00

We think this is a Male Wood Frog, anyone?http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/wood_frog.htm

Happy Spring!

2009-02-27T22:40:00.003-05:00

Here he is the first Frog of Spring! Seen tonight in Holbrook, making his way across Pond Street! A sign that the future looks bright!

Cranberry Brook ACEC on a Recent Snowy Morning

2009-02-23T17:18:00.002-05:00

Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest seek sign making supplies

2009-02-19T13:57:00.004-05:00

WHAT WE NEED Most of all:
Clean smooth boards:
1 x 6, or 1 x 8 -48” and also shorter lengths
Paint: Ben Moore Chrome Green “Moorglo/soft gloss”
Bright white acrylic exterior enamel
A couple of paint brushes.
Also we need Deckmate plus evercote 8 x 3” Phillips square Drive screws (or similar)
Rags
Scotch-brite green scrubbies
1” foam brushes
Muralo Waterbourne Acrylic (1700 series)in Safety Blue/Safety Red/Safety Orange and Safety Yellow for markers, but this is not an immediate need.
We hope to make a few larger signs/ or kiosks, and will need plans, and supplies for them.
Always can use work gloves, too, and the infamous blue bags.

Holbrook's Wetland Bylaw

2009-02-17T10:33:00.002-05:00

Forested Wetlands (as is much of Holbrook Town Forest) are highly valued for there contribution to clean water.
Here is a little information about the wetland bylaws, which Holbrook adopted in 1994.

http://maccweb.org/bylaws/holbrook_bylaw.doc

No person shall remove, fill, dredge, build upon, degrade, or otherwise alter resource areas protected by this by-law, or cause, suffer, or allow such activity to continue or allow such fill or other alteration to be left in place, without the required authorization pursuant to this by-law.

The term “alter” means to change the conditions of any area subject to protection by this by-law and shall include but not be limited to one or more of the following actions upon areas described in this by-law:

(a) the removal, excavation or dredging of soil, sand, gravel or aggregate material of any kind;

(b) the changing of pre-existing drainage characteristics, flushing characteristics, salinity distribution, sedimentation patterns, flow patterns and flood storage retention areas;

(c) the drainage, disturbance or lowering of the water level or water table;

(d) the dumping, discharging or filling with any material which could degrade the water quality;

(e) the driving of piling, erection of buildings or structures of any kind;

(f) the dumping, discharging or filling with any material which may degrade water quality;

(g) the placing of any object or obstruction whether or not it interferes with the flow of water;

(h) the destruction of plant life, including the cutting of trees;

(i) the changing of water temperature, biochemical oxygen demand and other natural characteristics of the receiving water;

(j) any activities, changes or work which pollutes any body of water or groundwater;

(k) the application of pesticides or herbicides in a freshwater wetland or within the 100’ buffer zone of the freshwater wetland.

Any person who violates any provision of this by-law, or regulations, permits, or administrative orders issued thereunder shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300, upon approval by the Board of Selectmen. Each day or portion thereof during which a violation continues, or unauthorized fill or other alteration remains in place, shall constitute a separate offense, and each provision of the by-law, constitute a separate offense.

Winter in the Town Forest

2009-01-18T13:02:00.002-05:00

Town Forest Committee
Will meet on the following Wednesdays at 7:30
in the Conservation Office (Town Hall-Upstairs)
January 21
February 18
March 18
Please join us!
For more information email forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us
Or call the selectmen’s office at 767-1212

The Friends of Holbrook Town Forest remind you that conditions are lovely on the bright, sunny days of winter to cross county ski or hike in the Town Forest. Dress warm, bring water and enjoy the picturesque and quiet landscape in our own backyard! Maps are available at the Conservation Office, 2nd Floor of Town Hall, or on this site.

We hope to see you in the Forest!

Boston Globe Says THE Choice Location in Holbrook is:

2009-01-17T19:52:00.005-05:00

The Town Forest!

According to the Community Snapshot in the Boston Globe on January 11, 2009

Choice location: Holbrook Town Forest is a 115 acres of natural paths and backs onto the Cranberry Pond area of Braintree.

http://www.boston.com/realestate/community/articles/2009/01/11/holbrook/

We thank the Globe and welcome them to visit the Holbrook Town Forest anytime!

Tiny sundews need to eat, too!

2009-01-17T17:51:00.004-05:00

Another carnivorous plant in the Holbrook Town Forest is the Drosera rotundifolia , or Sundew. In the bright sunlight these tiny plants glisten and sparkle. They are covered with mucilaginous glands(mucus secreting glands) which produce a stick substance to trap insects on the surface of their leaves and tentacles. Then it extracts nutrients from their bodies. Yum!

The Pitcher Plant Lives and Eats in the Town Forest!

2009-01-17T17:12:00.004-05:00

This carnivorous rare plant, feeds on insects that are trapped in its bulbous pitcher like leaves.It is found in acidic bogs and fens. The highly modified leaves are covered with downward pointing hairs on the inside to keep their lunch (generally flying insects, flies, bees and wasps) from escaping. Insects that enter the leaf eventually drown, providing the pitcher plants with important nutrients.

The Chestnut Oak

2009-01-17T16:24:00.004-05:00

One of the most common trees in the Town Forest is the Chestnut Oak(Quercus prinus). Everything about this tree is big! The deeply furrowed bark is it's most notable characteristic.

This tree is unusual in southeastern Massachusetts, and typically grows to 70 feet on windy ridges, but can grow twice that high in the right conditions. Its large lobed leaves are up to 8 inches long and a rich deep green. It is among the largest of native American oaks, and a valuable source of food for wildlife with very large acorns. It flowers in May with a 2 -3" display of pale yellow calyx. http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/syllabus/picts/qprinusfruit.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut_oak

FIREWISE-Day 2- CHIPPER DAY 2008

2008-12-05T15:31:00.003-05:00

FIREWISE CHIPPER DAY 2008
We couldn’t have asked for better weather on Chipper Day, Saturday November 29th. Residents were asked to have their brush curbside, “butt end out” by 8 am. Residents and volunteers from the previous Saturday had gathered large piles of brush along the Forest Corridor. We assisted a few more homeowners that morning as the chipper rolled up the street; together a total of 37 properties were cleaned.

The Firewise Task Force wishes to thank the many homeowners who participated along with the following hardworking volunteers: Tim Grow (CCD), Matt Lewis (CCD) and Eric Kenneally (CCD), Tom McMann (Cub Scouts), Jen Crosby (Friends of the Forest) and Dave Dingledy (Town Forest Committee).

We are grateful to Holbrook Fire Chief O’Brien, and his Department, for their input and ongoing support. Thank you, too, to the Department of Public Works for their assistance and the extra watchfulness of the Holbrook Police Department.

Many thanks go to Norfolk County Forest Fire Patrolman Mike Marquardt for his enthusiasm and for sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise in helping do the job right; under his guardianship we all worked safely. We are also indebted to Michele Steinberg and the support staff at the National Fire Protection Association, who never left us hanging, and gave us access to lots of wonderful informational tools.

And we could not have had a “Chipper Day” without John West, and his son John, of West Tree Service. John’s continued involvement and tireless support for Holbrook, and the Firewise mission are an extraordinary example of giving back to the community. Thank you, John.

All in all over 35 cubic yard of chips and debris was removed by Mr. West and a few more yards were removed after we finished sweeping the streets.

The day was a great success; and we achieved our Turkey Hill Firewise goal for 2008, making all of our homes, and the Holbrook Town Forest, safer from the threat of wildfire. This wonderful group of people worked together with neighbors and community members to potentially help save lives, reduce property damage, and save fire fighting resources for our town.

Thank you all,

Dale Lewis and Pat Greely
Co-chairs, Turkey Hill Firewise Task Force
Holbrook, Massachusetts

FIREWISE -Day 1- HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR

2008-11-23T11:19:00.003-05:00

On the blustery Saturday morning of November 22, a group of dedicated hardworking community volunteers braved the cold and wind to help their neighbors in need.
The Turkey Hill Firewise focus mission for 2008 was to continue to clear the homes surrounding the Town Forest of brush, as we believe this will have the most impact in keeping our homes and forest safe from the spread of wildfire. This helps save lives, property damage, and potentially fire fighting resources for our town.

Last Saturday we got a head start on Chipper Day (to be held this coming Saturday, Nov 29 at 8am), by helping some of the neighbors who needed a little help in getting their brush, and fallen debris curbside. Knowing your actions can help save the lives of a neighbor or firefighter is a very rewarding incentive.

The extraordinary volunteers who pitched in on Saturday November 22 were Tim Grow(CCD), Kyle Kenneally, Matt Lewis(CCD & Troop 56), Chris Vogel(Troop 153), Nicholas LaForge(Troop 56), Dan Lewis(Troop 56), Nick Duggan(Troop 56),Andrew Cummings(Troop 56), and Eric Kenneally(CCD). These young men are to be commended for the hard work , teamwork, and the sense of community they exhibited, as they worked along side Norfolk County Fire Patrolman Mike Marquardt, Bill Goodwin(Troop 153), Dale Lewis(Troop 56), and myself under tough weather conditions.

Everyday real citizens do real things to help their neighbors and community, and these young men showed extraordinary efforts. On behalf of the Holbrook Town Forest Committee, The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest, and the Firewise Task Force, thank you!
If you live along the Weymouth and Pine Street “Forest Corridor”, please help our efforts by putting out your brush by 8 am on Saturday Chipper Day November 29th .

Today's Boston Globe!

2008-11-23T08:09:00.001-05:00

Globe South Community Briefing

HOLBROOK CHIPPER DAY - The National Fire Protection Association is hosting another Firewise Chipper Day on Saturday to help people who live near the forest corridor clear brush and dead branches from their property. Officials from the association, which is based in Quincy, say that the dead brush is a fire hazard, and its removal can potentially prevent house fires. The Turkey Hill Firewise program will focus on the properties along Pine and Weymouth streets, and the chipper will be run at the old town fire site in the neighborhood. The chips, produced from emulsifying the branches and brush, will be recycled by the Department of Public Works. People are invited to gather for a cookout and hot chocolate as well.
- Franci Richardson Ellement
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/11/23/50_years_ago_in_abington/?page=2

Algonquin Pipeline Hearing at Con Com Monday Night

2008-11-16T09:44:00.002-05:00

This 3 foot wide Pipeline is proposed to go through part of the HOLBROOK TOWN FOREST!!

Appeared in: The Patriot Ledger on Friday, 11/07/2008

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40, the Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Holbrook Wetlands Protection by-law, the Holbrook Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in Holbrook Town Hall to consider a Notice of Intent. Project description: Notice of Intent for the construction of 1.81 miles of the I-10 Extension, a new 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline which is part of Algonquin Gas Transmission's Hubline/East to West Project. Within Holbrook, the proposed project is located between the Holbrook/Braintree municipal boundary east of Pine Street and runs east to the Holbrook/Randolph municipal boundary near Centre Street, within and adjacent to the existing NSTAR transmission line easement on multiple parcels.
Applicant: Algonquin
Project Location: multiple lots in Holbrook, MA 02343.
HOLBROOK CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Brinsley Fuller, Chairman
11/7/08

Firewise means survival

2008-11-16T04:33:00.003-05:00

This photo is from firewise.org , and shows that your home can survive a wildfire. Check out "The Difference" Public Service Announcement http://www.firewise.org/newsroom/psa.htm . It explains that isn't random that some homes burn and others survive; "the difference" is making your home firewise, which included clearing away all the brush, and combustible material. If you live in the area surrounding the Holbrook Town Forest, we hope you'll join us for Chipper Day, November 29th. Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in the current Southern California wildfires.

Ben clears the way!

2008-11-16T04:09:00.004-05:00

Sometimes we have to cut down a tree or two for public safety, or the safety of the forest.

Recently, we had an old rotting tree fall over the Wiggins Trail, and get hung up on another tree. The second tree bent over, and was spring loaded, creating a dangerous situation, for passersby and volunteer forest workers. Fortunately, Ben from the Dept of Public Works was able to cut these trees down, leaving the Wiggins Trail safe for all. Thank you Ben!

CHIPPER DAY is Saturday November 29

2008-11-03T16:58:00.005-05:00

Turkey Hill Firewise 2008

CHIPPER DAY Saturday Nov 29th, 2008
Clearing brush and dead branches from your property greatly reduces the chances of a fire spreading to your house. To protect the Holbrook Town Forest and surrounding homes (along Pine and Weymouth Streets) from the threat of wildfire, we are having another Chipper Day. Mr. West will run a chipper up the street. The DPW will use the chips.
In April 2007 we had a very successful day, read our story at http://www.firewise.org/usa/turkey_hill.htm

To be included call 781-767-6000 today & have brush out by 8 am

If you can help on Nov 22nd (Help your neighbor day) or Nov 29th(Chipper Day), or if you need help clearing brush from your yard please call 781-767-6000.

We still need volunteers, and we hope to have a little cookout with hot chocolate at the old fire tower site, and we will need people to pick up and sweep behind the truck after he is finished.
Firewise is a national program, based in of Quincy, MA. The program recognizes communities for taking action to protect people and properties from the risk of Fire in the wildland/urban interface.
Community contact- Pat Greely 781-767-6000 & Dale Lewis 781-767-9674

National Fire Protection Association-Michele Steinberg (617) 984-7487

Thanx!

2008-10-31T15:43:00.003-04:00

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest wish to thank all those who participated in the Town Forest Trail Work Day on Saturday October 11, 2008. We especially wish to thank Tom McMann and Dan Ryan for their efforts. With your help we were able to clear large logs from large sections of the Wiggin and Long Trails. Without such strong and hardworking volunteers, we would still be hopping over those logs! Your efforts have helped keep the Town Forest Accessible and “User Friendly”!
Thank you,
The Friends of Holbrook Town Forest

Turkey Hill 1949

2008-10-08T10:30:00.002-04:00

(Click on picture to see detail)

A map from 1949 shows the area where the Holbrook Town Forest and Cranberry Brook ACEC . Note the "Fire Tower" which was dismantled in June 2006 on request of the building Inspector. http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/news06.txt

Although unmanned for the previous few years, the Turkey Hill Fire Tower provided a vital link in the protection of a large part of Massachusetts, and of course, our own Town Forest!

Town Forest Trail Work Day

2008-10-03T12:02:00.003-04:00

Scheduled by the Friends of the Forest

Saturday October 11, 2008
8:30 am- Noon AND 2:00 pm-5 pm

Two shifts, please meet at Sodergren-McKay/Park Dr entrance at 8:30 am or 2 pm

This is a “Grown ups, mostly event”, as we will be using heavy equipment.

Please bring your own equipment: such as brush cutters, loppers, chain saws, gloves, water, and bug spray.

Call Pat 781-767-6000 if you have questions.

Fall Lantern Walk

2008-09-23T16:34:00.000-04:00

Come enjoy an evening stroll in the Holbrook Town Forest
Saturday November 1st at 4:00 pm
(Raindate Sunday November 2nd)
Sodergren-McKay Entrance (Park Drive)

Bring your own non-flammable lantern, or
Make a glow stick lantern with us on Oct 15th at the Holbrook Town Hall at 7:30 pm.

Please bring water and bug spray.
Sponsored by
Holbrook Friends of the Forest,
Holbrook Town Forest Committee,
Holbrook Conservation Commission,
Braintree Conservation Commission,
Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & 153,
Holbrook Girl Scouts
South School Ecology Club
http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/ or call 781-767-4312

Town Forest Harvest Hike

2008-09-23T16:25:00.001-04:00

Saturday October 18th
2:00 pm
(Rain date Sunday October 25th)

Come enjoy the beauty of autumn in the
Holbrook Town Forest

We will depart from the Sodergren-McKay (Park Drive) Entrance, travel north on Wiggins Trail, cross into Braintree and circle Cranberry Pond before heading back down Wiggins Trail. This will be a little longer than the usual organized hikes.
We hope you can join us.
Please bring water, bug spray and a snack.

Sponsored by
Holbrook Friends of the Forest,
Holbrook Town Forest Committee,
Holbrook Conservation Commission,
Braintree Conservation Commission,
Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & 153,
Holbrook Girl Scouts
South School Ecology Club
http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/ or call 781-767-4312

New Land and Water License Plate- Will help protect our Town Forest!

2008-09-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust has launched a new “Land and Water Conservation” license plate to support the conservation of land critical to the protection of the state's water resources. From their website:

"Development near our lakes, ponds, rivers and coasts - and the fertilizer, storm water run-off and other non-point source pollution it brings - is the greatest single threat to Massachusetts waters.

Conservation and protection of supporting land is the most effective strategy for protecting the region’s water quality, fish and other rare aquatic species and habitat. Protecting buffers along our rivers, lakes and ponds is essential to keep these waters clean for drinking water, recreation and wildlife.
Proceeds from the new Land and Water Conservation license plate will be segregated in a separate fund dedicated to the acquisition, stewardship and restoration of land affecting 9,000 miles of streams and rivers, 1,100 lakes and ponds and over 1,500 miles of coastline - of which many thousands of acres are unprotected. By purchasing this plate, you help protect core terrestrial and wetlands habitat and other priority watershed areas as identified on the State’s Natural Heritage Biomap, Living Waters, and Statewide Land Conservation Plan.
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust protects the lakes, rivers and coastal waters of Massachusetts." http://www.masslandandwater.info/

Forest Land Still Not Protected

2008-09-09T16:04:00.000-04:00

On May 20th, Town Meeting accepted the above article, thereby voting to correct the deeds of 3 parcels, totaling about 29 acres to read "Public Domain/ Town Forest". (For more info see the May 21st posting below.) As of today, the change has not been recorded. That means, those parcels are still not protected. Currently much of that land is deeded "Tax title/ Town of Holbrook" , so the land isn't really protected, is it? There is no good reason for the delay; it is a breach of trust, and shows a lack of commitment to the town meeting process.

The following response was received from the Town Administrator regarding the delay: "Town Counsel (aka Arthur George) has indicated that actions of Town Meeting are not required to be recorded. " So much for the Town Meeting process. (You'll remember that the initial petition by 200plus citizens to deem the land conservation was "struck down as improper" by Mr. George,and Town Moderator Patrick Cullhane, and not even allowed to be voted on at the previous town meeting).

What's up with that?

Fall Meeting Schedule

2008-09-09T15:32:00.000-04:00

The Holbrook Town Forest Committee has meetings scheduled on the following Wednesdays at 7:30pm at Town Hall.

September 17
October 15
November 19
December 17

Please join us. Your help is needed to maintain, preserve and enjoy this wonderful public asset.

Committee To Meet This Wednesday

2008-08-19T13:35:00.000-04:00

The Holbrook Town Forest Committee will meet Wednesday August 20th at 7:30pm at Town Hall.

Regional Magazine Sights Town Forest

2008-08-19T13:21:00.000-04:00

A July 2008 article in South of Boston's "Living Well"Magazine lists the "Cranberry Pond Conservation Area in Holbrook" as a great local pick with great walking trails. We agree, and hope you have been out there lately. It is a great local destination which saves on gasoline!
(The Holbrook Town Forest is part of the Cranberry Ponds Conservation Area.) Also listed were the Blue Hills and Boston's Skyline Trail.

The Official Trail Book of the Holbrook Town Forest Committee

2008-08-19T12:07:00.001-04:00

A couple of years ago the Forest Committee voted to use the book "Appalachian Mountain Club Complete Guide To Trail Building and Maintenance" as a guide for their work in the Town Forest. It has helped the committee maintain consistent standards and methodology for any work in the Forest.
The book has been recently updated(the 4th edition was published May 2008, ISBN# 9781934028162)and provides lots of clear, information on maintaining, planning, laying out and marking trails. And has received many accolades:
“An excellent reference for woodland owners and foresters alike.”—New England Forestry Foundation “The how-to-do-it reference book for anyone, anywhere, who is responsible for trail work.”—Maine Sunday Telegram “This book talks about trails, their effect on the hiking experience, and the joy of trail tending. Clear and comprehensive, this is the guide for working on trails in the Northeast.”—Lars Botzojorns, Green Mountain Club
The Holbrook Public Library hopes to be carrying the book in the future. The Friends of the Forest recommend this book as a wonderful and helpful resource for anyone interested in lending a helping hand.

Pipeline news-Algonquin pipeline proposed in Holbrook Town Forest

2008-07-25T09:46:00.000-04:00

Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board Public Hearing

August 14th at 7 pm in Stoughton

as part of the environmental review process

to provide an opportunity for residents to offer comments

on the East to West Algonquin Gas Pipeline Project.

Residents and town officials are encouraged to attend.

Vernal pools: What's the big deal?

2008-05-29T21:24:00.000-04:00

Picture of Salamander November 2008 on upland of Wiggin Trail.

Did you know there are lots of vernal pools in the Holbrook Town Forest?

What is a vernal pool?

In Massachusetts, vernal pools are defined as confined basin depressions with no permanently flowing outlet, which DO NOT contain an established reproducing fish population and which DO provide habitat for certain vertebrate and/or invertebrate wildlife species. Vernal pools are (in almost all cases) temporarily flooded (hence the reason for no fish). They are filled with water in the spring (vernal means "spring") and early summer and are usually completely dry by late summer. Vernal pools typically hold water for more than 2 months of most years. Vernal pools occur in upland and wetland areas and range in size from a few yards to several acres. http://www.massnature.com/Wildlife/Vernalpoolcreatures/vpinfo.htm

Why are they important?
The Environmental Protection Agency's web site explains the importance of vernal pools:
The isolation and their periodic drying keep them free from populations of predatory fish. This reduced-predator environment is essential for the breeding success of many amphibian species, such as spotted salamanders and wood frogs, and the survival of unique invertebrates, such as fairy shrimp. Additionally, they support local and regional biodiversity by serving as important breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for wildlife, including amphibians, invertebrates, turtles, snakes, mammals, and birds. http://www.epa.gov/bioiweb1/html/vernal_pools.html

What else should we know about vernal pools and surrounding forested landscapes?
In a publication of Forestry guidelines published by the University of Maine, the importance of conserving the Upland Forested areas around vernal pools is explained: The surrounding upland forest supports vernal pool amphibians during the 11.5 months in which they are not using breeding pools. These areas not just "buffer zones", but are actually "life zones".
http://www.maineaudubon.org/resource/documents/VernalPoolHMG-final.pdf

Another wonderful Massachusetts based web site with lots of great info about vernal pools is http://www.vernalpool.org/

Our Neighbors in Braintree

2008-05-29T20:43:00.000-04:00

Here is a map submitted to us by the Braintree folks showing the continuation of the Cranberry Pond trails to the north of the Holbrook Town Forest. Recently the volunteers have been busy remarking the trails up there as well. Check out this area when you can, it offers another opportunity to hike close to home! Thank you for sharing this map with us, Braintree!

2008-05-27T08:22:00.000-04:00

3rd Annual
Holbrook Town Forest Day
Saturday, May 31st , 2008 @ 1 pm

Come walk the trails and enjoy the day
As we Celebrate Holbrook’s Biodiversity
Events include
Blessing of the Forest by Rev. Ed Riley
Visit from Smokey the Bear
Dedication C. Leslie Mann Trail Head

Meet at Park Drive/ Sodergren-McKay Entrance
(Take Pine Street to Forest Road)

Sponsored by Holbrook Town Forest Committee, Cub Scouts Pack 56,
Boy Scout Troops 56 and 153, Holbrook Girl Scouts,
South School Ecology Club and the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest

For information and details
Web site: http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/
Email: forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us 781-767-4312
Rain date June 1st @ 1pm

3rd Annual Town Forest Day--May 31st!

2008-05-21T09:51:00.000-04:00

Smokey is expected to visit the town forest on Saturday May 31st! Join us for a hike and meet the great hero http://www.smokeybear.com/

The Town Forest is a little safer today;Article 19 is approved!

2008-05-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

Thank you Town Meeting Members!

On Tuesday May 20th, Town Meeting voted to correct the deeds of 3 parcels, totalling about 29 acres to read "Public Domain/ Town Forest". This means a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting is required to change the use of these parcels from Town Forest.
The Holbrook Town Forest has 115 acres, and is 12 parcels.Five parcels were already deeded "Conservation" which means they are the most protected, and require both a vote at town meeting and the state legislature. With the three added last night that leaves 4 parcels to go. Our thanks go to all those who helped make this happen, and continue to support and work for this local treasure.

Mocassin Valley

2008-05-20T22:33:00.000-04:00

The Lady Slippers are beginning to bloom! This picture was taken on Monday in the heart of the Town Forest. Pretty soon the entire area known as Moccasin Valley (named after the Indian name for the lady slipper, the moccasin flower ) will be flushed out with blossoms. We hope you can check it out! It is truly one of the finest sights in Holbrook! According to the Conservation Planning Botanist at the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (Mass Div of Fisheries and Wildlife ):"The orchid in the photo is pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), a very common native wildflower in our area, found in a variety of well-drained wooded sites, including white pine, hemlock, and hardwood forests. They will be in bloom for the next few weeks."

Enjoy!

Making a DIfference- The Friends of the Forest

2008-05-10T08:48:00.000-04:00

"Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead, American Cultrual Anthropologist, 1901-1978

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest is dedicated to preserving and enjoying the beautiful Holbrook Town Forest.

Join us, and help make a difference. You can email this site, or sign up at Town Forest Day, May 31st.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day--Act Locally

2008-05-10T07:55:00.000-04:00

Massachusetts Park Serve Day is Saturday May 17th http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/.

"Last year, volunteers planted a total of 580 trees and flowers, removed 48.6 tons of trash, and provided invaluable assistance on building maintenance and trail projects."

While officially this event is for Massachusetts State Parks, why not help out here at home. A cleanup is planned the following day. Together we can make a difference!

UPCOMING ACTIVITES

2008-04-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

TRAIL CLEAN UPS:
Saturday April 5, 9 am - Sodergren-McKay Entrance, Forest Rd
Saturday April 12, 9 am - Caroline Long Entrance, 255 Pine St
Saturday May 3rd 9 am - Sodergren-McKay Entrance, Forest Rd,
Sunday May 18th Noon - Caroline Long Entrance, 255 Pine St
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
Wednesday April 16th 7:30 pm-Town Hall
Wednesday May 28th 7:30 pm - Town Hall
Wednesday June 18th 7:30 pm Town Hall
ANNUAL TOWN FOREST DAY:
Saturday May 31- 3rd Annual Town Forest Day 1pm Rain date Sunday June 1st 1 pm - Sodergren-McKay Entrance, Forest Rd

We hope to see you in the Forest!

3rd Annual HOLBROOK TOWN FOREST DAY

2008-04-02T21:19:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 31st, 2008 @ 1 pm

(Rain Date June 1st, 1 pm)
Come walk the trails and enjoy the day
As we Celebrate Holbrook’s Biodiversity

Meet at Park Drive/ Sodergren-McKay Entrance
(Take Pine Street to Forest Road)

Sponsored by:
Holbrook Town Forest Committee
Boy Scout Troops 56 and 153 and Cub Scouts Pack 56
the Holbrook Girl Scouts
South School Ecology Club
Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest

Light's out in the Town Forest!

2008-03-29T18:59:00.001-04:00

Tonight, all across the globe is Earth Hour!

This is a way to reduce your impact our planet's resources.

It turns out, every night is earth hour in the forest! Because the Town Forest is a low impact enviromental site!

Unplug, unwind, and join the many visitors to your town forest!

For information about Earth hour, visit http://www12.earthhourus.org/

Let's Save the Forest

2008-03-16T12:01:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest, together with the Town Forest Committee, and the Conservation Committee have been working to legally protect the land we all love and know as the Holbrook Town Forest. After the Town Forest was established various parcels were donated, or taken, and added to it, until it reached its current 112 acre size. Some of these parcels are better protected than others. Last year a citizen petition was submitted with over 200 signatures to correct the deeds by having all the parcels protected equally at Town Meeting. Citizens were overwhelmingly in support of having the deeds all reflect "conservation" to protect this open space recreartion area. However, this met with opposition from Town Counsel, which was upheld my the Town Moderator. We have continued to work to this end. Chairman of the Selectmen, Paul Currie, has been helping to move the issue forward.

Following a March 6th article on the front page of the Holbrook Sun (www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/homepage/x691144340) the following was posted on the Sun’s blog:

Jim Dombrowski, former Conservation Agent of the Town of Holbrook, wrote to the Holbrook Sun blog on March 15th, 2008

Past research that was done in an attempt to create a Town of Holbrook Open Space Plan revealed that some parcels of the "Town Forest" were deeded to the Town with a Conservation Restriction pursuant to MGL chapter 40 section 8c in which management and control of certain parcels were deeded to the Town of Holbrook and the Conservation Commission. Parcel #1 Map 10 Lot 65-41-67 containing 13.446 acres book 4764 page 94 "1971" donated by Boston Edison. Parcel #2 Map 4 Lots 13 and 13-1 containing 29.5 acres book 4516 pg 355 "1968" is also under MGL c40, s8c. Parcel #3 Map 11 Lot 11 containing 42.7 acres book 4700 page 506 "1970" donated by Norfolk County is also under MGL c40, s8c. Parcel #4 Map 11 lot 28 containing 67 acres I could locate no deed indicating it was under c40, s8c and found that it was listed in past submittals to the state for recreational/open space lands. It is believed that this land was taken in Tax Title. The maps and lots referenced were the ones available for that period of the investigation and may have changed in reference numbers since then. Hugh Smith and Shirley Austin assisted in providing this information at that time. I hope that this information is of help to someone as that Open Space Plan didn't get the support to continue its efforts for a complete and comprehensive review. This was one of the many efforts that was attempted as Conservation Agent/Officer for the Town of Holbrook.

Pat Greely, chairman of the Forest Committee, responded:

The 67 acre parcel #11-028, is the bulk of what we all know as the Town Forest, containing Wiggins Trail and Elfin Pond. It has recently been researched by the Norfolk County title examiners, and it is actually 5 parcels. Two of these are tax title, and Chairman Currie agreed at the last selectmen’s meeting to have Mr. Yunits write an article for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting to transfer them two other parcels (#05-001, a 1.9 acre parcel off the end of Forest Rd and #10-038, a 1/5 acre parcel opposite the old Fire Tower site which is the head of the Wiggins Trail and was donated by the Mann family) the into Town Forest/ Public Domain. This intermediary step will provide at least minimal protection until we can resolve the conservation (GL C40 Sec 8c) versus town forest issues the current town counsel seems to have. Also part of parcel 11-028 is another parcel from the Mann family, the Wiggins family, and the Diman family; all intended to remain Town Forest (in fact we have the Diman and Wiggins Trails, and the new Mann entrance to honor their donations to the Public open space and recreation of Holbrook. As you stated the remaining "Town Forest" parcels were deed to the town as "Conservation" under MGL C 40 Sec 8C). Hopefully, we can get this land better protected at the upcoming Town Meeting, and preserve the special part of Holbrook for the next generation, as was intended.

We are looking forward to working with the Selectmen to protect this precious public resource; correcting the deeds is a necessary first step.

It Could Be A Big Night in Holbrook

2008-03-06T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hello, and Happy Spring!

We just received an email that it is time-the vernal pools are becoming active! Observed last night, 3/4/08 in Holbrook: Salamanders, and Wood Frogs!!! The Spotted turtles can't be far behind. Since the Town Forest is home to many vernal pools, we consider this an especially important event. Often called a "Big Night", all the critters are looking to mate in the warm spring rain. See the following 2006 article from the Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/03/16/big_nights_for_nature_buffs/

Have fun, but watch out if you are driving tonight! And if you are out exploring, please be careful to avoid stepping on the eggs.

The Sights & Sounds of Spring!

2008-02-12T12:03:00.000-05:00

An Almanac of Nature in Holbrook's Town Forest:

JANUARY
3rd Watch for fox tracks in fresh snow.
8th New moon.
13th Observe your shrubs and fruit trees after the first snows. Nipped-off twigs with ragged edges are a sign of deer. Rabbits chew the twigs off cleanly.
14th Depth of the natural year; very little activity. This was the traditional hunger season of the Eastern Woodland Indians.
15th Look for the bright stems of red osier dogwood along stone walls and roadsides, like Spanish dancers against the snow.
19th A general warming trend known as the January thaw occurs about this time. Look closely and you may see flights of bees and listen for the possible chirp of spring peepers.
22nd Full moon. The Hunger Moon.
28th Great horned owls begin to nest about this time. Listen for their hooting from deeper woods. Bald eagles are beginning to build nests.

FEBRUARY
2nd Groundhog Day. In Europe, the remaining days of cold were forecast on this day by the emergence of hibernating badgers or bears, not by groundhogs.
6th New moon.
9th If there is a snowmelt, look for the traces of tunnels dug by voles and shrews.
11th Skunks emerge to mate about this time of year. Listen for their fights and squabbles late at night. Look skyward for red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks beginning to mate.
14th Starlings begin their spring whistling about this time. Listen also for the spring songs of chickadees and titmice.
17th On warm sunny days, look for signs of snowfleas at the bases of tree trunks. They look like a sprinkling of pepper on the snow.
20th Full Moon. The Snow Moon.
24th Maple sap begins running. Watch for little icicles at the tips of sugar maple twigs.
26th Purple finches begin singing their spring songs.
29th Holbrook’s Birthday

MARCH
5th On warm days watch for flights of mourning cloak butterflies, among the few hibernating insects. They emerge to sip the running sap. be heard a mile away.
9th On rainy nights in March when temperatures reach at least 40° F, Salamander migrations begin. Watch for them crossing roads in wooded areas on the first warm rainy nights. Spring peepers are beginning their annual chorus to attract mates. The Spring peeper is a barely an inch, but their mating call can be heard a mile away. They light brown or gray with a distinctive x mark on their back, and hibernate under leaf litter until the spring weather warms. The males emerge and will gather at small pools by the hundreds, each establishing a small territory. Each begins calling quite frequently, about one peep per second, to attract their mates. The breeding period lasts from until June, with 800 - 1000 eggs per female laid in shallow ponds, called vernal pools. The eggs hatch within 6 to 12 days, and tadpoles transform to adults during July, although many of their eggs will be food for salamanders and other creatures.
12th Pussy willows are fuzzed out.
14th Woodcock nuptial flights begin about this time, as the snow melts in open fields.
Listen for the nasal, peent call preceded by a soft took-oo and the whistle
of their wings.
16th Skunk cabbages have emerged in wet areas by this date.
19th Red-winged blackbirds are back.
Watch also for flights of grackles and cowbirds.
20th Vernal equinox, first day of spring. Days and nights are equal length.
Full moon: The Worm Moon so called because earthworm casts appear now,
heralding the return of the robins!

From http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/almanac.php